Mapping Displacement Governance in East Africa
As the continent's largest refugee-host country, Uganda has maintained an open-door policy over the years and as of 31 May 2025, has received more than 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers from across the continent. Its pioneering self-reliance approach, enshrined in national and international legislations, has been hailed as being central to maintaining dignity, autonomy, and economic inclusion.
This paper, being part of the Mapping Displacement Governance in East Africa series, outlines Uganda's policy evolution from the 1960s’ integrationist strategies to the present-day mix of progressive ambitions and implementation challenges. The paper has an analytical examination of policy–practice strains and suggests opportunities for strengthening refugee protection through selective reforms and enhanced regional responses.